Thanks and Gratitude
Here in the United States, this week we celebrate Thanksgiving. A time to give thanks for what we have which is ironically followed by the biggest shopping day of the year (Black Friday) where we buy all we don’t have. Leaving all irony aside, I would like to take this time to express my Thanks […]
Who are your “behind the scenes” people?
Summary: In the circus there are people dressed in all black who make the show doesn’t stop. In business we also have these “behind the scenes” people. Who are yours? How do you acknowledge their work? Each November we embark on our own family tradition of going to the circus. We have been doing this […]
Do you have values?
Summary: Are your values posted on a wall where no one pays attention? Some ideas to work them into your organization and how to live them. When working with companies on setting up their HR department/policies, one of the questions I ask is “Does your company have Values?” I am not talking about the personal […]
Are you a Good Listener?
Summary: Are you a good listener? You hear what they are saying but are you listening? How to turn it around. Are you a good listener? Most people when asked this question will say “yes” or “of course”. I hear what everyone tells me. You may indeed hear what they are saying but are you […]
Commitment – Give it to Get It
Summary: You expect commitment from those around you. In order to get commitment, you need to give it to get it. This is one of those words that depending on the context can draw diverse reactions from people. For example in the dating context we think about commitment-phoebes or lacking commitment. In the family context is it […]
Factors for an Interview
Summary: Hiring and having difficulties finding initiative and other traits. Keep these factors in mind for a more successful interview. Been having some interesting conversations with people who are hiring. The major complaint? Finding people with the right work ethic or attitude. They hire folks who have the skills and once they start working – […]
Start your Planning with Words
Summary: It’s that time of year where we sit down to work on our plan for next year. This year start with your words then the numbers. It’s that time of the year – we have entered the fourth quarter which means time to plan for next year. This is a time to reflect on […]
Decisions, decisions, decisions
Summary: People make decisions differently, understand how if you want an answer quickly. Ever notice how people make decisions? How some can make decisions on the spot and others take what feels like an eternity? How is this and does it matter? We make decisions every day, they can be as mundane as “Do I […]
Finding Your Leadership Style
Summary: Whether a new leader or becoming more effective – it starts with finding your “internal leader”. You may be new to leadership or we may be interested in being more effective as a leader, either way it is important to determine your style. I almost hesitate to call it a style since that makes […]
The Suggestion Box is Dead
Summary: The Suggestion Box was once a way to solicit ideas from employees. Three ways to get people to contribute. Once a great way to get employee feedback about what could be done to improve the company has turned into another object collecting dust. I think it is safe to say the traditional Suggestion Box […]